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The iPod portable speaker market is phenomenal. Hundreds of speakers are available, all with their own unique features, and pros, and cons. However, when I set my eyes upon Altec Lansing’s latest iM7 iPod speakers, I knew that they were unique and different from any other speakers on the market. I wasn’t wrong!

Searching for high quality, stylish, and widely compatible iPod speakers for months on end, I discovered Altec Lansing’s new iM7 portable iPod speakers. After days of researching, and reading about them, I was ready to take the plunge and purchase the speakers.

The iM7’s have a built in iPod cradle, which is compatible with all iPod’s featuring dock connectors, including the iPod mini, and the iPod nano. All future iPod’s, including the iPod shuffle can be played using the audio in port, which is a major reason that I opted for the iM7 above any other iPod speakers, including Altec Lansing’s main competitor product, the Bose SoundDock.

The speakers are extremely simple to use. Firmly press on the cradle to open it, click the iPod into the dock, and press close the cradle. Located conveniently on top of the unit are the power button and the volume controls. The buttons are large and easy to press, however an LCD screen displaying the volume would have been a wonderful addiction to an excellent product.

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The device itself is solid and heavy, especially when packed with its 8 required batteries. The iPod is secured into the cassette deck type opening with a tightening vise when in use; therefore you can transport it without the hassle of removing the iPod.

One disappointment I had with the unit was the included wireless remote. The range it operated from was poor, around four metres was as far as I could accurately operate it from. Another disappointment; there is no display on the unit to indicate volume, bass volume, and vocal volume; therefore you have too guess how high they are turned.

The sound quality is stunning. Blasting music from my 3rd generation iPod, at a mid-range volume, the iM7 sounds amazingly crisp and clear. Although I have not tested them, many reviewers are claiming that the iM7 sounds better than the prestigious Bose SoundDock.

The bass of the iM7 is very strong; when you have it turned up, you can feel the thumping of the audio, and it feels like a live concert taking place right inside your room. You can almost close your eyes, and actually feel like you are there, reliving the moment. I prefer to have the bass set to about half way; this gives you a balanced audio reception while listening to various genres of music.

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Despite its characterization as a “portable iPod sound system”, the iM7 is equally as good to leave in a large room, in place of a stereo or other audio system, because the sound quality is so pristine, you wouldn’t notice a difference.

One of its best features is the design characteristic. The design is perfected down to the last tiny, fine details, making for a stunning, elegant look. The way Altec Lansing has packed so much power into the unit, with such an elusive design, is amazing.

Altec Lansing has hit the money with these speakers. The positives of the unit totally outshine the negatives. If your looking for iPod speakers, take a look at these - you won’t be disappointed!